Effective July 1, 2021 a new standard for local governments to comply in avoiding housing discrimination takes effect. Specifically, when implementing local land use and zoning ordinances, HB 2046 makes it unlawful for localities to discriminate on “the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, source of funds, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or disability” or “because the housing development contains or is expected to contain affordable housing units occupied or intended for occupancy by families or individuals with incomes at or below 80 percent of the median income of the area where the housing development is located or is proposed to be located.”
VACo, in partnership with the Office of the Virginia Attorney General, has developed this 1-hour instructional presentation now available on the VACo YouTube channel. The video, hosted by VACo Director of Local Government Policy Joe Lerch, provides counties an understanding on how the new standard should be taken into consideration when making land use decisions and implementing ordinances. Special guest Helen Hardiman, Assistant Attorney General and Policy Advisor in the Office of Civil Rights, provides an explanation of the new standard and “best practices” counties can employ to not only comply with the law, but incorporate strategies for addressing housing needs within their communities. Links to the presentation and additional resources are provided on the YouTube channel.
VACo Contact: Joe Lerch, AICP